With London International Horse Show fast approaching, from 18-22 December, Show Ambassador and former Love Island star Chris Hughes joined four-time Champion Flat Jockey, Oisin Murphy for the ultimate Show Jumping lesson. The session was preparation for their involvement in the Markel Jockeys Jumping Class in aid of The Injured Jockeys Fund, which takes place at the Show on Friday 20 December. On the night, Hughes will take on the role of Roving Reporter in front of a packed-out crowd, whilst Murphy, will be looking to add another win to his belt as he competes in his inaugural class.
Exclusive content from the day can be seen below.
The lesson was led by British Show Jumping icon William Funnell at The Billy Stud, a world-class breeding operation renowned for producing top sport horses. As a former FEI European Championships team gold medallist and a five-time Hickstead Derby winner, Funnell’s exceptional horsemanship and contributions to British Show Jumping made him the ideal mentor to prepare the two stars for the arena.
The thrilling class pits two teams of five jockeys – both Flat, like Murphy, and Jump, including legends such as Sir Anthony McCoy OBE and Harry Cobden – against each other in the iconic International Arena. With teams taking alternating turns over fences in a sport neither side is accustomed to, the competition promises nail-biting action, laughter and plenty of festive excitement.
This year, Murphy will make his highly anticipated debut in the Markel Jockeys Jumping Class at London International Horse Show. Although an experienced jumper since childhood, this marks his first opportunity to tackle a course in front of the energetic and sizable crowd at Excel. Riding Chocolat du Rouet, a talented eight-year-old gelding whom he was partnered with in the lesson, Murphy is ready to rise to the occasion.
Speaking on his appearance, Murphy commented: “I am really looking forward to taking part in the Markel Jockeys Jumping Class in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund at London International Horse Show this December. The class will be great fun, and all of us jockeys taking part will certainly be competing to win, but more importantly we are grateful to be involved in an event that raises vital awareness for a charity that is so important to us all and the wider sport.”
Hughes added: “I’m thrilled to be an ambassador for London International Horse Show this year and to be involved in helping to support the Injured Jockeys Fund through the Markel Jumping Jockeys class is really special for me. I can’t wait to see everyone down at the Excel in a few weeks for what is going to be one of the highlights of the Show!”
evoke® becomes the NEW Official Safety Partner of London International Horse Show.
We are pleased to announce that British brand evoke® has joined us as the shows Official Safety Partner, and they will also be sponsoring the Under 25 British Showjumping Championship.
Having launched earlier this year, after three years in development with their British designed and tested range of riding hats and jockey skulls, evoke adhere to a variety of additional safety regulations including PAS 015:2011, VG1, ASTM F1163-23, EN 1384: along with CE/UKCA certification.
The collection includes riding hats and jockey skulls, in a multitude of modern styles and designs including crystal, carbon, metallic, plus traditional finishes.
With further styles and models launching in 2025 evoke is on course to become the UK’s leading safety brand.
David Mitson, CEO of evoke added:
“We are delighted to be supporting The London International Horse Show and showcasing both style and safety. We share the same values which makes for the perfect partnership, and we look forward to meeting both new and existing customers over what will be a fabulous and festive five days of equestrian sport”
George Barlow, Sponsorship Executive of London International added:
“We are thrilled to welcome evoke® as the Official Safety Partner of London International Horse Show and sponsors of the Under 25 British Showjumping Championship. This exciting multi-year partnership marks the beginning of a new era in equestrian safety, and we look forward to working closely with evoke® to advocate the shared principles of ensuring the safety and welfare of both horses and riders”
